@ Moffett Federal Airfield, Moffett Field, CA
May 2018
Moffett Field is a regular stopover for the Collings Foundation’s annual “Wings of Freedom” tour with several of their warbirds. Early versions of the B-17 lacked a tail gunner and the need for one became obvious. The first option had been a power turret but the B-17 airframe did not lend itself to adding a rear power turret. The cramped tail gun compartment seen here was the only solution. This B-17, “Nine-O-Nine”, was delivered in April 1945, too late for combat but she did serve in Air/Sea rescue and military transport duties. The B-17 was named “Nine-O-Nine” in honor of a 91st Bomb Group, 323rd Squadron plane of the same name which completed 140 missions without an abort or loss of a crewman. Nikon D7100 w/18-200mm.
